A Stanmore man is among 13 people who have been sentenced to more than 40 years in prison for dealing drugs.

 

Run by Falmouth man Besnik Sinanaj, Brezar Culaj, of Stanmore, and Brigal Culaj, of Watford, and involving people from Harrow, Borehamwood, Bushey Heath and Bushey. the Mario Line network sold £4million of cocaine in a year.

It was shut down in May by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Group after 160 police carried out dawn raids on May 8 last year.

The criminals were sentenced on February 14 and February 17 at Harrow Crown Court. They had all pleaded guilty at earlier hearings at the same court.

The three ringleaders will serve between six and ten years in prison for supplying Class A drugs and three others will serve between four and five years for the same offence.

Eight others were sentenced for supplying drugs. Two were given suspended sentences of nine and 12 months and the rest will serve 20 months behind bars.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Trotman from the Serious and Organised Crime Group said: “The Mario Line was one of the most organised and prolific drugs lines to have operated in west Hertfordshire and I am pleased that we have dismantled this and the majority of those involved in its operation are now in prison.

“Hertfordshire remains one of the safest counties in the country and I want to send a clear message to anyone involved in drug crimes that we will use every power available to us to build intelligence, carry out warrants and bring offenders to justice.”